Operando Reactor Profile for Spatial Catalyst Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for operando reactor profile measurements in heterogeneous catalysis lack the capability for simultaneous spatially resolved measurements of species and spectroscopic data, often requiring large catalyst amounts and suffering from background interference and low signal intensities due to inefficient light delivery and collection.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a movable reactor with a radiation source and detection unit, allowing for simultaneous operando spatial profile measurements of species and spectroscopic information using a sampling capillary and radiation source, enabling precise analysis of catalysts under reaction conditions with minimal sample requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional reactor designs are used for operando measurements, then reaction products can be analyzed in the effluent stream, but spatial profiles of spectroscopic data and local temperature/concentration values cannot be resolved
Solution Approach 1:
The reactor is segmented into multiple discrete sampling points (at least ten) along the flow direction, each equipped with spectroscopic access. This segmentation allows spatially resolved measurements at different positions while maintaining a manageable overall reactor structure, directly addressing the need for profile measurements without excessive complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds a spatial dimension to conventional effluent analysis by incorporating multiple sampling points along the reactor length. Instead of single-point analysis, the system measures spectroscopic data at multiple positions (z1, z2, ..., zn) to generate concentration and temperature profiles, transforming 0D effluent analysis into 1D spatial profiling
2Measurement precision
If discrete sampling points are implemented in reactor designs, then some spatial information can be obtained, but the number of sampling points is typically limited to less than ten
Solution Approach 1:
Each sampling point in the reactor is designed as a multi-functional unit that simultaneously performs spectroscopic measurements, temperature monitoring, and concentration sampling. This universal design allows up to ten or more measurement points without proportionally increasing complexity, as each point handles multiple measurement tasks through integrated sensors and optical access
3Measurement precision
If conventional operando cells are used, then spectroscopy of the catalyst can be performed under operation conditions, but spatial profiles cannot be resolved
Solution Approach 1:
The catalyst bed is segmented into multiple zones corresponding to discrete sampling points, each with its own spectroscopic cell and sensors. This allows spatially resolved catalyst characterization under operating conditions while maintaining simple operation through automated data collection at each segment, combining measurement precision with ease of operation
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables detailed, spatially resolved analysis of catalysts with improved signal quality and reduced sample quantity, providing comprehensive insights into reaction processes within the catalyst bed.
Implementation Method 1
a radiation source for generating the radiation for irradiating the sample
Implementation Method 2
detection unit for detecting radiation scattered, emitted, reflected or diffracted by the sample
Implementation Method 3
detection unit for detecting radiation scattered, emitted, reflected or diffracted by the sample
Implementation Method 4
detection unit for detecting radiation scattered, emitted, reflected or diffracted by the sample
Implementation Method 5
a sampling capillary comprising an orifice for collecting a fluid sample inside the reactor chamber
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention pertains to a system for operando measurements comprising: - a reactor (1) comprising a reactor chamber (9) having at least one window (19) transparent for radiation for irradiating a sample (24) provided inside the reaction chamber (9), - a radiation source (21, 31) for generating the radiation for irradiating the sample (24), wherein the radiation source (21, 31) is arranged to irradiate the sample at an irradiation location situated on the sample; - a detection unit (26, 33) for detecting radiation scattered, emitted, reflected or diffracted by the sample (24) or transmitted through said sample (24), - a sampling capillary (12) comprising an orifice (14) for collecting a fluid sample inside the reactor chamber (9), wherein the orifice (14) of the sampling capillary (12) is arranged at a fixed position relative to the irradiation location, wherein the reactor (1) is movable relative to the radiation source (21, 31).